Politics
Polis Grants Pardons to 27 Coloradans, Covering Offenses from Trespassing to Robbery
Gov. Jared Polis pardoned 27 people convicted of crimes in Colorado, including trespassing, drug possession, theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud, in a move that highlights the state's clemency process.
Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday pardoned 27 people convicted of crimes in Colorado, according to a list released by his office. The pardons cover a wide range of offenses, including trespassing, drug possession, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, theft, burglary, robbery, criminal mischief, dispensing marijuana, car theft, being an accessory to a crime, and fraud.
The governor's office did not provide additional details about the individual cases or the reasons for each pardon. Pardons in Colorado are typically granted after a review by the Executive Clemency Advisory Board, which evaluates applications based on factors such as the applicant's rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and the time elapsed since conviction.
A pardon does not erase a conviction but restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, serve on a jury, or hold public office, and can remove barriers to employment and housing. The governor's power to grant pardons is established in the Colorado Constitution.
This batch of pardons is one of several clemency actions Polis has taken during his tenure. In previous years, he has granted pardons to individuals convicted of low-level drug offenses, theft, and other crimes, often emphasizing second chances and rehabilitation.
The full list of pardoned individuals was not immediately available, but the governor's office said it would release the names upon request. The pardons took effect immediately.